Posted on 12/26/2009 3:42:12 PM PST by foutsc
The objective of classical liberals is to free as many people as possible from the tyranny of others. Classical liberals believe this requires replacing public policies that limit individual freedom with policies that respect and expand individual rights and autonomy.
Modern classical liberalism, sometimes called the “freedom philosophy,” was articulated by prominent economists and political philosophers beginning in the 1930s and 1940s. That group included Gary Becker, Aaron Director, Milton Friedman, Baldy Harper, Friedrich Hayek, Henry Hazlitt, Frank Knight, Frank S. Meyer, Ludwig von Mises, Leonard Read, and George Stigler. (Source: Joseph L. Bast, Heartland Institute)
Classical Liberalism is: Free market capitalism vs. crony capitalism; A free people protected by a limited government vs. an unlimited government controlling every aspect of the peoples' lives.
Conservatives who want to use the coercive power of government to impose their morality on others make the same mistake. The right answer is to stand for the constitution that protects the rights of all.
Further Reading
NCPA - What is Classical Liberalism?
Rockwell - American Classical Liberalism
Google Search: Classical Liberalism
Conservatives that want to impose their morality on others make the same mistake as modern day liberals?
That one statement in your post is the only thing that I disagreed with, though I would never call myself any kind of liberal. I will explain why I disagree, though I must mention the phrase “conservatives that want to impose their morality” is a sheer sign that their is a vein of modern day liberalism in even you.
Liberals want to impose their unethical agendas on everyone, no matter what their Party affiliation is or their religious beliefs.
While they chide us for “imperialism” and “capitalism” they are building their own empire by trying to centralize power to the Federal government and spend our tax dollars like no capitalist spends his own money.
While abortion is in decline, they look for tax funds to keep their infamous operations alive.
They want to legally recognize gay marriage, which would lead to employers having to provide health insurance to gay employees’ partners even if they object on moral grounds. Considering the danger to one’s health in that lifestyle, that could get expensive.
They abuse “separation of church and state” to remove as much that represents Christianity as they can. They kicked God out of public schools and government buildings, and at the same time introduced their own religion of secularism, evolution, junk science, and modern day liberalism.
Businesses are pressured to provide jobs for minorities and females ahead of white males even when they are more qualified.
They are legalistic, abusing the power of the courts to get their way when they can’t get it from majority-rule. Even so, they would readily make the argument that Christians are legalistic.
That is where I am coming from anyway, but you are right. Classic liberalism was much more tangible and was not a platform for socialism, once upon a time...
I agree with everything you said. The Constitution mentions nothing about Christianity.
I am a dedicated Christian, but I do not want my government pushing any religion. I want my government to enforce the constitution which says that I can freely practice my religion in the free marketplace of ideas, including if one of my kids wants to say a prayer at her commencement.
I hope you had a Merry Christmas, and I wish you a conservative New Year!
Thanks! You have a good holiday season as well.
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